Magno Letter To Bruno About Ibm-pataki Meeting 0295 (gt-05)

E8- 09-1995

11:48

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To:

Senator Joe Bruno

From:

Joe Magno

Subject:

IBM Executive Visit

Date:

February 9. 1995

Here's some background on the meeting we would like to set up between Gov. Pataki and Bob Mendenhall ofIBM EduQuest.

LBM EduQuest is the IBM business unit that provides educational technology solutions to K-12 and the world's largest provider of such solutions. They are presently working with the US Dept. of Education to develop technology plans for K-12 and are looking to develop a partnership with NYS to assist the State in bringing this technology to our schools and bring NYS back to a Number One position in the Education of our children. There are a number of motivating factors for IBM to do this including the fact that IBM is one of the State's largest employers and draws heavily from the taJent pool created by NY educational institutions. IBM also believes that NYS is cognizant of the fact that business growth is tied to educational initiatives. Bob Mendenhall is the General Manager oflBM EduQuest and responsible for all aspects of the operation. He was the founder and CEO of Wicat Systems until it was acquired by Josten's Learning Systems when he was made part of their Executive Board. He joined IBM as EduQuest's General Manager over one year ago. AmeriData is the organization that currently holds the NYS Contract that provides IBM Educational Products to all K-12 schools in the State through a network of dealers that specialize in this market. AmeriData works closely with IBM personnel to bring the highest quality learning technology solutions to NYS children. We would like to meet with Governor Pataki to discuss the forging of a partnership between NYS, IBM, and Arne riD ata, The objective of this partnership would be to work with the State in meeting the overall educational objectives of the Administration which we believe is to give to the children of New York the best education in the country and fully prepare them to meet the challenges of the world we live in. Please contact me if you need more information.

GOVERNMENT EXHIBIT

Thank you.

GT-5

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